Students walk out to protest gun violence

Sarah Yamaguchi | Conant Crier

Students gather outside Conant to protest gun violence.

During fifth period yesterday, approximately 120 students walked out of school to protest gun violence in response to the recent Parkland, Florida school shooting. Students from Schaumburg, Fremd, and Hoffman Estates High Schools also participated in a walk-out for the same cause.

There was no disciplinary action for Conant’s walk-out participants, and their absences were excused by administration.

Principal Julie Nowak explained, “We certainly support students’ first amendment rights and freedom of speech. We, as an administration, can’t endorse a walk-out, but we can make sure that there is a safe space, and it doesn’t disrupt the learning process.”

Students said they participated in the walk-out as a way to bring about attention and change to the divisive national debate over gun control.

“I walked out because I wanted a change. Something needs to be done about how [easily] a gun can come into one’s hands,” Khushi Thakkar, ‘21, said.

Bridget Tobin, ‘20, added that she was motivated by a connection she felt to one of the victims of gun violence. She said, “I’m an Irish dancer, and someone in the dance community was a victim of the [Florida] shooting and died. I want to show unity with other students and protest gun violence.”

While some students thought the protest was effective in raising awareness for gun violence, others said the tone outside was not appropriate for the occasion.

Kaycie Bilicki, ‘21, said, “I’m happy that a lot of people are doing this, but at the same time I’m annoyed with people who choose to be disrespectful and play music during this because I think we should use this as a quiet time to remember those who lost their lives.”

Conant students have been discussing additional walk-outs, including one tentatively set for March 14, a date on which many walk-outs are planned across the country.

Nowak believes this could be a more effective walk-out because it would be orchestrated by a student group that is collaborating with administration ahead of time. She said, “The value of collaborating with administration is that students would be able to ask questions. Having student leaders that have a vision supports a more meaningful activity for everyone.”

Many students said they would participate in another walk-out.

Tobin said, “I would do it over in a heartbeat. This issue is not something that can be ignored, and I truly believe that this is something important that I am not afraid to stand for.”

Nowak also said she wanted to convey her appreciation for students trying to make a difference. She said, “I’m really proud of the students that have reached out to me, and I’m in awe of their maturity and their vision. While it’s a scary time, it is very admirable that they are looking for a way to appropriately share their voice.”

Dhvanii Raval

Dhvanii is the editor-in-chief and a senior. This is her fourth year on the staff; she was also editor-in-chief last year, a Features editor her sophomore year, and a writer her freshman year. Dhvanii is looking forward to a great year leading the staff. At Conant, Dhvanii is captain of the Debate team, a leader of HOSA, and also member of BPA and the Principal Advisory Board. Outside of school, Dhvanii likes to volunteer and binge watch her favorite TV shows. An interesting fact about Dhvanii is she is a black belt in karate.

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